Topsy-turvy Pickford not hurt by barbs
No 1 BULLISH DESPITE ERRORS
JORDAN PICKFORD defiantly answered his critics yesterday amid growing scrutiny over his position as England’s No 1 goalkeeper.
As reported by Sportsmail earlier this month, the Everton goalkeeper will be retained by Gareth Southgate for tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic, despite having made several high-profile errors this season.
But Pickford insists he is mentally strong enough to take the flak, saying: ‘I don’t mind it. You see it all on Twitter and stuff, and if you don’t laugh you cry, don’t you? But it’s about me becoming better as a goalkeeper, it’s not about the criticism I’m getting.
‘Do I think it’s been too harsh? No, it’s all right. Everyone can have their own opinion. I think all that matters is how I feel, and my opinion, the opinion of my coaches and the people around me, like my family.’
The 25-year- old’s position as England’s first choice has come into question in recent weeks following a topsy-turvy campaign at Goodison Park. Pickford was at fault for Divock Origi’s injurytime winner in the Merseyside derby at Anfield earlier in the season, and more recently he was criticised after his error- strewn performance in a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United on March 9.
Indeed, his errors have led to more goals than those of any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season. Pickford yesterday denied his form had dropped following his heroic displays for England at last summer’s World Cup.
‘Until the Newcastle game I was doing well, and I think I bounced back from that with a solid performance against Chelsea (last Sunday).
‘Maybe I’m in the spotlight a bit more, which is new for me. But it doesn’t affect me in the game and I’ve just got to not let that criticism affect me. I’ve just got to perform when it comes to game day.
‘I don’t really look into my form too much. I know whether I’ve had a good game or a bad game. I never go into a game with any doubts. I always feel confident in my ability and hopefully I can be strong mentally.
‘ I would say that’s one of the strongest parts of my game. That’s never going to distract me.’
During the defeat at St James’ Park, Pickford engaged in verbal sparring with Newcastle supporters behind his goal — something the keeper insists he has learned from.
‘With me being a Sunderland lad, in front of 52,000 Newcastle fans hurling abuse at you for the full game, maybe it did get to me a little bit too much,’ said Pickford. ‘But I’m only 25 and I think it was a learning curve for me and that it’s how I can improve. Next time I go there I won’t be getting involved as much.’
Pickford revealed that he received a personal message from England legend Gordon Banks before the World Cup. Banks, who died last month, will be remembered at Wembley tonight where the FA will be holding a range of tributes to the 1966 World Cup winner.
‘I never met him but at the World Cup last summer we got a message from former England players,’ said Pickford. ‘Every player got one from a player who had played in their position. Gordon sent me a message — he sent all the keepers a message. I will be keeping that for a very long time.’